Parador de El Hierro

Please note that the hotel's swimming pool and wellness area are closed until further notice.

Part of Spain's prestigious, state-run Paradores group, this charming hotel enjoys a spectacular setting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, backed by the dramatic, almost-vertical mountain slopes. The Parador stands at the end of a 10-km cul-de-sac, with just a few private houses lying beyond, so there is scarcely any traffic to detract from the sounds of the ocean as you relax on the hotel's terraces and admire the views.

Designed to reflect traditional Canarian architecture, the Parador comprises 47 rooms on two floors. Most have balconies or terraces, facing either the sea or the mountains. Comfortably furnished and prettily decorated, the rooms are equipped with telephones, satellite TV (limited English language channels), mini-bars, safety deposit boxes and air-conditioning, and the en-suite bathrooms are stocked with an excellent range of toiletries. Most of the rooms have twin beds, but a few doubles are available on request.

The public rooms are equally welcoming and include a small bar and areas for reading, playing games or chatting to your fellow guests. Free WiFi is available in the reception area. An extensive buffet breakfast is laid out in the morning, whilst for dinner there is table service with a small but enticing menu drawing on regional specialities.

Whilst the coast immediately in front of the Parador is rocky, there are dark volcanic beaches close by for sea swimming in calm weather.

The Parador de El Hierro is ideal for travellers seeking a comfortable, away-from-it-all retreat right by the sea, in which to forget about the stresses of modern life and fully recharge their batteries.